Bajaj Freedom 125: CNG Safety Tests Explained

In a revolutionary move for the two-wheeler industry, Bajaj Auto introduced the world's first CNG-powered motorcycle, the Freedom 125, to the Indian market. Priced from ₹95,000 (ex-showroom, Maharashtra), this innovative vehicle marks a significant milestone in alternative fuel technology for motorcycles.

To address potential safety concerns associated with CNG vehicles, Bajaj conducted extensive safety tests to ensure the bike's reliability and durability and to make sure that the structure of the CNG tank was not compromised. The manufacturer reported that the Freedom 125 had undergone 11 distinct crash and impact tests at its dedicated facility.

The Tests

As mentioned already, a total of 11 safety tests were carried out by Bajaj to ensure that the Freedom 125’s CNG tank was not compromised. 

Starting with the CNG valve impact tests, which ensured that during any collision or accident, the CNG valve didn’t crumple or leak. This was followed by the Front Pendulum Test, which involved swinging the bike like a pendulum and thus ensuring that the CNG tank did not have any loose ends due to which the tank might jet out of the chassis. 

These tests were followed by three collision/impact tests from all angles – rear, side, front – involving a 1.5-tonne block that was driven into the bike. All of which ensured that the CNG tank’s position within the trellis frame remained intact and there was no change in pressure or leakage. 

Bajaj also conducted a vertical drop and a truck run-over test, replicating extreme real-life conditions – just to ensure that the chassis of the bike didn’t have weak sports that could compromise the CNG tank. 

Besides the above, the standard IS:3224:2002, AIS 028 50 kg Filling Unit Strength Test, and the AIS 028-20 G Pull Out Test were also carried out. All of which takes into account the CNG tank’s robustness and structural integrity.

Architectural Safety

Bajaj has incorporated several design elements to enhance the safety of the CNG system. For starters, the trellis frame and subframe act as a protective cage for the CNG cylinder, while the sloper design of the engine minimises heat exposure to the pressurised tank. These measures have helped address critical safety concerns associated with CNG-powered Freedom 125. 

The Bajaj Freedom 125 has been launched in three variants, and deliveries for the same will commence in a phased manner starting with the top-spec model in Gujarat and Maharashtra. This variant costs ₹1.10 lakh (ex-showroom), and it is available with a fully digital reverse LCD cluster with Bluetooth connectivity. While the mid and base variants get a simpler and smaller LCD with no connectivity feature. Besides these, these models are also available with drum brakes as standard and are priced at ₹1.05 lakh and ₹95,000 (ex-showroom), respectively.